Vol. 10, Issue 3 (2021)

Author(s):
Chitrasena Padhy, Pakalpati Satyanarayana Raju and Rabindra Kumar Raj

Abstract:
Cotton cultivation provides the prime source of sustenance for the livelihood of farmers in tribal region of Odisha. In Gajapati and Rayagada districts of Odisha, a study was undertaken on 240 cotton growers from four blocks of two districts. Data was collected personally on the stress factors relating to physical, technological, harvesting, post-harvesting, as well as marketing of the produce. The respondents had to acquire seeds, fertilisers, and other inputs prior to land preparation. They had to contact various dealers for getting quality inputs and underwent mental pressure. The respondents had to raise extra seedlings for gap filling to maintain optimum plant population. Preparing leaf bags, preparing soil mixture, delinting seeds, sowing, and watering regularly for good germination were causes of worry for the respondents. The input dealers generally charged more price and the respondent farmers had no option but to purchase at the higher rates. The sale price of cotton was not only reduced but also created disinterest among the traders due to smoke discolouration of cotton in storage causing frustration among farmers. The respondents were also under mental stress due to the possibility of fire hazard in storage. Cotton should be properly cleaned prior to sale. The traders while procuring the produce asked unnecessary queries and made demands that increased the frustration of the respondents. The district administration has to increase extension contact and take necessary support measures for easy marketing of the produce at remunerative price. The attributes of the respondents, such as land holding size, extension contact, and house type significantly influenced stress in cotton cultivation.